By Abdul Gani, TwoCircles.net,
Guwahati: Umme Fardina Adil achieved what others could not do in 66 years after the independence by becoming the first Muslim lady from India’s north eastern region to clear the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) with flying colours.
Fardina was born and brought up in Guwahati and she did her schooling from Disney Land High School, Khanapara. Then, she joined Cotton College for class 11 and 12. After clearing engineering entrance exam, she did her engineering from Mody Institute of Technology and Science, Rajasthan in Computer Science. After that she joined Accenture Services Pvt. Ltd. Currently associated with Accenture Services Pvt. Ltd. as a senior programmer Fardina is also working on a project ‘Low Cost Sanitation Technologies’.
In an exclusive interview with Abdul Gani of TwoCircles.net, the Guwahati girl shares her thoughts on Assam and its women besides several others.
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Umme Fardina Adil
Excerpts:
TCN: What was your reaction at the outcome of the UPSC?
Fardina: I was obviously very glad to clear the civil services exam at the very first attempt itself. It means a lot to me as it was my childhood dream.
TCN: How difficult or easy it was for you?
Fardina: The exam, no doubt, was tough but with determination and hard work, I think it became a bit easier.
TCN: Is this what you wanted to do or there is something else to be done?
Fardina: I wanted to be an Indian Administrative Officer. Since my ranking is 319 this time, I will not get IAS but will definitely try for this in future.
TCN: How has been the journey so far? Tell us a little bit of your childhood and college.
Fardina: I can say my journey so far was good. But there are times when I felt like losing my heart but I insisted on not to give up trying.
Since my very childhood days, I love to read and to write as well. Starting form religious to academic books or even others which are worth reading, I used to read. But that does not mean I did not take part in extracurricular activities. I have been part of many theatres and street plays during my school and college days.
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Umme Fardina Adil is seen with Mahbubul Hoque, Chairman ERDF; HN Das, former Chief Secretary of Assam; and Prof PK Abdul Azis, VC, University of Science & Technology Meghalaya at a felicitation function in Guwahati.
TCN: What is the role of your parents or others who have influenced greatly in shaping up your career?
Fardina: Allah’s blessings and my parents' prayers are the main force that helped to get my goal. My parents have been very kind to me and never let me face any problem and encouraged me throughout to be here at this position. Also there are great contributions of my friends during my preparation.
TCN: What is your view on the scenario of women in Assam and especially Muslim women?
Fardina: I feel women in Assam are in a much better position compared to those in northern part of our country, both socially and economically. But it is also a fact that participation of Muslim women in public services is very low, even lower than SC/ ST. It took 66 years of independence to produce a Muslim woman civil servant from Assam which is a very unfortunate scenario. I do not think it is due of lack of facilities, but due to lack of awareness that have resulted into this.
I would like to urge upon every Muslim woman to believe strongly in their abilities and capabilities and to come forward to participate in every field to chase their dream. And if they do so, I’m sure the entire scene will change.
TCN: How it can be improved? Do you think sometimes religion is misused in the path of advancement for women?
Fardina: It can be improved if every woman is given equal opportunity from her very childhood like any other man. There is no difference between a man and woman in their mental ability. Along with fulfilling duties as a daughter, sister, wife and mother, a woman should also think about herself as an individual.
She has the complete right to take her decision independently like the son of the house. Parents should convey that they believe in her ability and will support her always.
I think, sometimes religion is misused in the path of advancement for women as we get to hear news about female infanticide, child marriage etc. But no such discrimination is entertained any religion. So we should follow the true teachings of our religion and allow our children to go ahead in life, without discriminating their gender.
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TCN: Do you think that merely strict laws can minimize the rate of crimes against women?
Fardina: No, only strict laws cannot minimize the rate of crimes against women. Proper implementation of these laws is more important. Also there needs to be a change in the societal attitude towards women so that they are more respected in our society. I think this aspect is crucial.
TCN: Any piece of advice for the aspirants?
Fardina: Strong determination, right motive and hard work are the mantra to be successful in this exam or in any other test.
TCN: Do you have any dream goal to be achieved?
Fardina: I already mentioned that I want to be an IAS so that I can work for the society with efficient utilization of the resources of the Government. Moreover, I have a dream to see India free of open defecation. For this, I have already started my work by doing research in “Low Cost Sanitation Technologies”.